Joe McIntyre/staff photographerJoe Kash Jr. of Homer-based Kash and Sons Contracting mixes concrete for a welcoming kiosk Tuesday being installed at Main and West Court streets. The kiosk will have lighted signs welcoming visitors downtown and providing information.

By JEREMY HOUGHTALING
Staff Reporter
jhoughtaling@cortlandstandardnews.net
A concrete pad was poured Tuesday on Main Street to prepare for the installation of an informational kiosk on the corner with West Court Street.
Adam Megivern, executive director of the Cortland Downtown Partnership, said the kiosk has been completed, and the manufacturer will install it soon. He expected the kiosk would arrive within the next couple of weeks.
The four-sided structure is 3 feet on each side and about 7 feet tall, and will have a business directory and parking information on one side and advertisements and other useful information for visitors on the others.
Advertising revenue will go to the Downtown Partnership for upkeep and maintenance of streetscape projects.
The kiosk will function as a way to help guide visitors and provide awareness for downtown businesses and upcoming events, while improving the look of downtown, Megivern said.
The kiosk cost about $17,250, and will be insured, in case the safety glass is broken or the whole kiosk needs to be replaced.
A $25,000 state Main Street Grant, supplemented by a $12,500 grant for downtown sponsored by state Sen. James Seward (R-Milford), funded the kiosk and more downtown beautification projects, including new trash receptacles, a bench and flower beds.
Four bronze sponsorship plaques were also purchased for $2,500 each to help offset the cost of the kiosk. They were bought by SUNY Cortland, Cortland County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tompkins Trust Company, and CFCU Community Credit Union.
Megivern said the city has only approved one kiosk, but he is keeping an open mind for more in the future.
“If we receive positive feedback, there is a potential for more,” Megivern said. “For now, there will just be one.”